Archived News for Professionals in State Government - March, 2020
A massive scientific scorecard has rated the health of Australia’s environment less than 1 out of 10.
NSW approves risky operation
New South Wales has allowed a coal mining extension under Sydney's Woronora water reservoir.
Paper panic hits sewers
Peoples’ lack of toilet paper is creating havoc as flushed items block sewer pipes.
New deal for PPE boost
A new deal should see more than 100 million surgical masks produced by a South Australian company.
WA Huawei deal in doubt
Western Australia's Public Transport Authority (PTA) has scrapped a deal with Chinese technology giant Huawei.
States split on school rules
Different states have announced various new rules to keep school students and broader public safe.
Gold Coast hospital sued
A Queensland public hospital service is being sued over alleged medical negligence.
New bill for prison pandemic
Some older prisoners may be released after New South Wales passed a special COVID-19 bill.
State to save green spine
The Victorian Government has taken over an award-winning road to stop it being destroyed by the Geelong council.
Audit inspects failed rail
Victoria's Auditor-General says the state's handling of a big rail upgrade has been “deficient” and “inadequate”.
Visit restrictions for Victoria
Victorian hospitals are now under strict visitor limits to protect patients and staff.
Regulator claims questioned
Victoria’s energy safety regulator lacks independence, according to a former senior executive.
Supply fears prompt audit
Authorities are auditing the critical care capacity of hospitals nationwide.
Victoria allows exploration
Victoria is lifting a ban on onshore gas exploration, but says it will not allow fracking.
Victoria looks at virtual courts
Victoria is testing virtual courtroom technology after pandemic forced sessions to be suspended.
Cops avoid roadside COVID
Police in several states have stopped conducting stationary, large-scale random breath tests and drug tests.
Murray study finds social gaps
An official report has found a growing sense of hopelessness across the Murray-Darling Basin.
Studies question CSG data
A Queensland farmer has commissioned their own hydrogeological study that throws official water figures into doubt.
Rail upgrades trailing
Allegations have been raised about the misuse of public funds in a $440 million rail project.
Call to reform gap goals
Australia’s Closing the Gap policy has been dubbed a “medical response to what is effectively a political problem”, amid calls for stronger efforts.